Glamorous Dining At Home
May 14, 2008
Fine Dining consists of simple statements defined and glamorized. Set rules and expectations, that extra care and attention to detail-being comfortable and achieving a vision.
Why cannot the same be said of the home. Maybe not every night, but once in a while its nice to recreate the dining room and set the stage for a special occasion- even if the occasion is simply the desire of making it one.
Set the table, light some candles, maybe bring in some flowers and some music to set the tone. Design a course to complete your vision and taste- and for that of your friends and loved ones.
Want something really special-set a night for yourself. That’s right- set the table for one, design a beautiful course and display it as you would expect it given to you. Laugh if you like, but its quite fun and a wonderful treat as well as an escape from the hectic noise of the day. Follow it with a bath or movie if you like even.
Including friends and loved ones makes it magical, and is a great reason to get them involved and enjoy each others company. Create a few simple appetizers and an easy and delicious entree with some glamorous sides- what makes it glamorous is up to you. Maybe its the colors you use in your vegetables and fruits, maybe its the distinct herbs or cheeses you like. Make it your own, make it beautiful, and make it enjoyable. It will give a whole new meaning to the cleaning up the house chore if its for something you are creating. That’s always a nice little extra.
And don’t ever forget the dessert. A small little taste is never a bad thing, particularly as I myself take as many tastes as possible.
Have a little fun with your meals.
Delicate Laces To Strong Sophistication
May 13, 2008
After looking at the darker daring side of fashion, I think a delicate and softer view is in order. Balance is important, after all. And on that extreme let’s begin with Chanel’s 2008 Spring Look. I adore how heavenly this dress just floats in the back and rises playfully in the front. The lace just melts and yet somehow with the many layers- it looks seemingly weightless. The delicate peachy pink bow and flower crown further announces the femininity.
Then there is the line in between- light spring colors battling winters black and other darker hues. Yves Saint Laurent combined both for this ultimate sophisticated and bold look. The contrast with the distinct lines are feminine, daring- and dark without being grim. The light colors keep it fresh and great for the season.
A thick black waist cinching belt has always been a love of mine, and with the expansion into the dress it is a beautiful flow and complete look.
Keep it fresh, make it light, make it dark, or simply dive into both. Make it your own and hold true to your look.
Bunnies Over Tokyo Fashion Week
May 12, 2008
Runway fashion at its most exotic and eccentric can be found during Tokyo Fashion Week. Bunnies and Rabbit ears on the girls is just the start. Designer Naoto Hirooka -or H. Naoto to the fashion world, has style that simply cannot go unnoticed.
Anywhere from Gothic Lolita, I must admit a fondness that I have for it, to the punkier styles, H. Naoto’s creativity soars. There is no fear to be playful and I love to see the mark pushed further from up and coming designers.
Viktor & Rolf won my heart with their twists on style design, and quite similarly has H. Naoto in such respect.
His dark and interesting designs have even given Hello Kitty a bit of a makeover- dressed and styled to fit the line.
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Heres to more daring, loving, and cutely inspired fashion..
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Cheese In Gourmet Luxury
May 11, 2008
Is there anything grander than cheese- I think not. It plays nicely with wines and fruits, not to mention quite well on its own. Local cheese shops are a gem if you have one available. The busier the better- as the cheese does not sit and is constantly receiving new orders.
But then what do you do when that option is not available? Packaged and processed cheese doesn’t have to be the answer- all those chemicals and preservatives aren’t cheese after all. Believe it or not, there is an alternative- and a GREAT one at that.
Take a look over at Venissimo.com. A world quality selection at your fingertips and soon to be at your door.
As a reference alone, their information is incredibly valuable. Everything from tasting notes to what to pair your cheese with. It is all there for you.
Lost and confused of where to start- select a category or type and you are on your way. When I saw the category of “stinky cheeses” I knew I was in the right place. Mmmmm… I am hungry just thinking about it now.
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Luxury and food, they know each other so well.
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Another Splash for Nails
May 10, 2008
Whether its business or play, the color you paint your nails should never be limited to routine. This year I have bounced around from nudes with the faintest hints of color or shimmer, whites that are clean and bold, brilliant and rich tropical pinks and reds, and the deepest shades of burgundy.
Played right with a matching or contrasting outfit and the intrigue grows stronger. Looking through my nail polish collection I realized there is someone who has been neglected this year that is ready to be known again- the pastels, particularly the matte pastels. Even little silver is starting to move its way forward. Deep and royal blue made its way last winter as the new red, there is something sophisticated and rich about it. Somewhat daring yet divine.
But what of the pastels, the lavenders, pale yellows and corals? Watermelon has already began its move forward with a bold and deep color- perhaps other fruits are soon to follow in the color department. It just sounds so spring and summer not to mention playful and young. I think some warm and soft colors are ready now.
Change things up a bit. Of course the classics will always be there for us; but how often do you get the chance to venture out and let a little flirty creativity soar.
Style It Up Or Wave It Down
May 9, 2008
Hair with attitude and a statement bold and wild or delicate and chic. If you have Medium to Long hair there is no excuse to not have a little fun. Rut never more if ever you were in one-the girls with the short hair can make it look so easy to come up with a spunky or classy style; its time to take notice of your own.
Never be afraid to experiment a little here and there. Maybe you don’t know what your doing when you go into it, but that doesn’t mean the results can’t be amazing. Some of my best creations were purely accidental messing around.
Rock it or keep it in simple sophistication- do something to make it extra special. And don’t stop there, you can do so much more with it down, too.
Straighten it for a sleek shine or curl it half way up for some soft natural waves. Let your hair guide you as it naturally is, if not even inspire you. I have found that sometimes after having my hair up for a day, putting it down it will naturally fall into these perfect waves and curls. From one style right into another- perhaps from day into evening or from one day to another.
The classics are constantly reinventing themselves into new and exciting forms. Many of the time thanks to make up as seen in the fashion shows. Quite dramatic and perhaps not for actual wear, take them as creative influences to create a style you can use for yourself.
Its a great excuse if anything to give more time to yourself and really enjoy it. Pamper yourself, maybe set up a warm bath to follow. Create new styles to use for the rest of the week and upcoming events. There are no limits.
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Above all have fun and and love your look.
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Lychee Litchi Delight in a Drink
May 8, 2008
Absolute favorite of all favorites when it comes to drinks and and exotic fruits is the Lychee- and a martini especially. I used to bring a bowl of frozen lychees with me when I would lay out on the beach, a favorite luxury of mine. Great anywhere, too- not just out in the sun, and should be often practiced. But I cannot help but involve another love of mine: vodka. They work so beautifully together with just the right balance of smooth and delicate hint of sweetness.
Oh the lovely wonders of the lychee, or litchi depending where you may go. A friend of mine from Japan recognized the fruit as the litchi rather than lychee. She loved them too, and I do not think you could ever eat too much.
Making your own at home is quite simple, provided you can find the lychee- fresh is most desirable, however the canned version are an alright substitute. You can use the juice they are kept in for the drink as well. Maaza provides a great Lychee juice that is delicious on its own.
Look for the lychee next time you are out and about-sorbet, martini, juice, or the fruit alone are all a delightful indulgence.
If its appearance alarms you- worry not, you don’t eat the red pointy shell, only the delicate fruit inside. There is no intense acquired taste about it either, I have yet to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy them- even the pickiest of eaters.
Bring a little luxury into your drink.
Candy on the Chic
May 7, 2008
Pure divine fruit preserved in the traditional way of Southern France, still today is within grasp in a delicious way. Of my travels, Nice has such a wonderful feel that can really be noticed at the Confiserie Florian through their creations. Keeping true to history and tradition, the factory is more than happy to guide you through the process- samples along the way a delight to enjoy.
A favorite of mine is the ostrich eggs- a velvety smooth chocolate wrapped in a fragile candy coating. Its all the right textures and balances that melt in just the right way- impossible to ignore or save for later, I devour them in an instant.
Fruit and Chocolate is grand- however do not miss the selection of candied flowers and liquors. Rose and Violet have always been a favorite of mine as a child- simply beautiful and delicate.
Nice alone is quite beautiful, and the Confiserie Florian is a direct reflection. Visit their site www.confiserieflorian.com and you can have them delivered to your home- such a convenience especially when the flight is so long.
Candy lovers everywhere, this is one to indulge and adore.
Sunglasses with a Statement Big and Bold
May 5, 2008
Oliver Peoples. The name alone comes with a statement and the design follows. Classic beauty with the wow gorgeous factor-talk about being noticed. Out of all my sunglasses my heroine in beige Oliver People’s have that old Hollywood glamorous feel that cannot be ignored- I wear them more than any other pair and I have quite a few. They go with anything- from the most casual to the most formal- I love it.
Where to go from there? My next fun loving pair will be the Dior Sunglasses that have the pull out ear wrap around. They are beautiful with very distinct lines that appeal to me. They aren’t for everyone- they can swallow your entire face. Proportions are key and must be kept in check, the face is no different.
With an oval face shape you are pretty safe with any style. Always try them on before purchasing. How they look on the shelf and how they look and most importantly feel on- can change drastically.
Have fun and have as many pairs as you like in as many shapes and colors as you like. Don’t limit yourself.
Who says a little eye protection cannot be pretty? Not to mention make you feel pretty too- now that’s gorgeous.
